15 Apr 2020Ceramics workshop creates amazing pieces to say thank you
Valley Invicta Academies Trust (VIAT) children of key workers tried their hand at ceramics yesterday, when Miss Alison Collins, the Lead Practitioner for Ceramics from Valley Park School, held a special workshop for them at Valley Invicta Primary School at East Borough, as part of the Easter Holiday provision.
The workshop focused on forget me nots and the wonderful work being carried out by key workers during these unprecedented times. The pupils created positive and creative decorative pieces – from plaques, to mugs and jewellery - in clay and took on the role of making things for others to show their kindness and thanks.
Miss Collins said: “It was brilliant to see mixed age groups working together and helping one another.Once their fantastic efforts have been fired and glazed, they will create a great exhibition to show commemorative artwork that the pupils have created across the Trust showing their thoughts and understanding of the meaning behind this situation.”
VIAT CEO, Julie Derrick said: “I want to say a very big thank you to Miss Collins for her wonderful creativity, enthusiasm and personality that exuded in the ceramics workshop for the children we have in school at the moment. I saw, first-hand, how much they loved the session, which is testament to her ability and reminds us all of the importance of creativity, collaboration and empathy in these unusual and challenging times.”
3 Apr 2020Valley Park School Virtual School Choir record song for NHS while in isolation
Students from Valley Park School who are part of the school choir have come together virtually, to record a rendition of Coldplay’s hit song ‘Fix You’ in tribute to the NHS, while in isolation.
The 16 students each recorded their part separately at home this week, before sending it to their music teacher, Ross Blyth, who joined the voices together to form the choir.
The recording was then set to a montage of video footage showing NHS staff, and released on social media.
Mr Blyth said: “When we are at school, we rehearse most lunchtimes; to me, the idea of the students not singing together again for months on end was unthinkable. When I sent the students the parts and asked them to record them, their response was remarkable. The final product is testament to their talent and dedication.”
Headteacher of Valley Park School, Margaret Hutchinson, said: “We, like so many others across the country, have been astounded by the tremendous efforts of the NHS and, when Ross suggested a Virtual Choir recording that could be dedicated to their amazing efforts, it was just our own small way of saying thank you. I am incredibly proud of our students’ achievement with this track and I’d also like to thank Ross, who has spent hours editing everything together.”
The video can be viewed here:
25 Mar 2020Staying Creative - get involved in our new competition!
Even though we are all stuck indoors, we can still be creative! And our new Staying Creative project will help all of us do that.
The competition has been created by Lead Practitioner for Art, Graphics and Photography, Chris Spurr, at Valley Park School and is for ALL students, at any of the Valley Invicta Academies Trust schools, to take part in!
All you have to do is visit: https://padlet.com/c_spurr/StayCreative2020 and enter the password stayingcreative
You will then be able to see a host of creative projects you can replicate or take inspiration from. Once you have created your own piece of work, please send a photo of it to: staycreative2020@viat.org.uk to take part in the competition. You can submit as many entries as you want to.
Once you have submitted your work, it will be uploaded into a gallery you can access through the same padlet as above with your initials, your year group and the VIAT school you attend.
The deadline for the competition is 10 April 2020. After that date has passed, a vote will be opened for people to choose their favourite primary and secondary entries. Winners in each category will be announced when the vote closes.
New ideas, videos and tutorials will be added to the site on a daily basis to inspire your creativity and your work. We can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!
Get involved and stay creative!
23 Oct 2019Join us and help make a difference
Valley Invicta Academies Trust (VIAT) consists of an exceptional cluster of primary and secondary schools at the heart of our local community, in the Maidstone and Malling area of Kent. Due to our expansion as a Trust, we have a number of exciting new vacancies.
We are looking for individuals who:
have vision and energy;
believe in the value and talents of all students;
share a passion for their subject in and out of the classroom;
have strong subject knowledge and the ability to model excellence;
demonstrate creativity and flair in the classroom.
We welcome applications from teachers across all subject areas, who would like the opportunity to:
demonstrate their love of teaching;
continually learn and develop their teaching practice;
ensure the very best for their students;
teach as part of a talented team;
embrace the whole school curriculum;
work in a specialist environment;
gain experience across different educational settings within VIAT;
fast-track their career progression;
build a successful career with VIAT.
In return, you will be offered a competitive salary and benefits, with outstanding CPD and progression opportunities. We pride ourselves on our collaborative and supportive leadership approach, which enables each member of our team to be the very best they can be.
We currently have exciting opportunities (suitable for outstanding NQTs or experienced teachers) at all of our secondary schools: Invicta Grammar School, The Lenham School, Valley Park School and the School of Science and Technology Maidstone, opening in September 2020.
Please submit your CV to: Mrs Liz Owen, PA to CEO, on 01622 755856 / e.owen@invicta.viat.org.uk
We also strongly recommend that all interested candidates visit, to meet our students and staff. Visits can be arranged by contacting Mrs Owen.
16 Apr 2020
